Located in the south-central region the Alentejo landscape is remote and vast, extending from the rough shores on the western Atlantic coastline all the way along to the borders of Spain. Its flat, golden plains are a stark contrast from the rolling hillsides further inland, making it a fine destination for active adventures. Referred to as the breadbasket of Portugal Alentejo is a cultural hub with its landscape being responsible for half of Portugal’s wine production and the largest quantity of cork in the world. It’s undeniably a region where historical traditions have been kept alive.

Évora is a historic and enchanting town home to many significant landmarks including the 15th-century St Francis Church with the Chapel of Bones, and the Templo de Diana, constructed entirely from marble and granite stone. Just outside its walls, Évora is close to some of Portugal’s finest wineries and Neolithic monuments dating back to 6,000 BC. Our advice? Adopt the relaxed and unhurried attitude of the locals by enjoying a typical queijada pastry in the main square Praça do Giraldo, before getting lost in the streets of one of the most historic cities in the country.

Stepping inside the castle walls of this Medieval hilltop town is like taking a step back in time and with a population of only a few hundred, Monsaraz oozes in charm and tranquility. The streets are littered with whitewash schist houses which surround the central Parish Church, a visual justification for its reputation as the Museum village of Alentejo. Foodies will delight at the small selection of mouth-watering restaurants where it’s possible to sample traditional Alentejo cuisine whilst appreciating views out to the man-made Alqueva lake. If you’re lucky, on especially clear days it’s possible to see over to the frontiers of Western Spain.

Marvão is Portugal’s highest continental town set up on the crags with views out to the neighbouring frontier town Castelo de Vide and on clear days, as far as Western Spain. Its white-washed streets are exceptionally preserved and decorated with wildflowers that guide you up to the castle’s keep, Torre de Menagem. Marvão is host to multiple events throughout the year including the International Music Festival in July where the castle and streets are lit up with live orchestra performances throughout the town.

Set up on the slopes of the Serra de São Mamede across from Marvão is Castelo de Vide. With its looming castle and steep flower-lined cobbled lanes, it’s one of the Alto Alentejo regions true gems. Most unique about this town is its Jewish quarter which offers one of the largest collections of architecture from the Gothic period in Portugal. The Portuguese often visit for its rich natural resources where it is believed the natural spring waters offer healing properties. Castelo de Vide is a prime example of an authentic fortified village in its purest rustic form.